Civil war breaks out as statue is unveiled

UNIFORM performance: Alan Slater, who played Col Robert Duckenfield during the celebrations, sits in front of the newly unveiled statue.

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A STATUE has been unveiled to commemorate one of Dukinfield's most famous residents.

Colonel Robert Duckenfield, a staunch supporter of Oliver Cromwell and the cause of Parliament, has been immortalised in bronze outside the town hall.

Members of the English Civil War Society visited Dukinfield on Sunday to perform a march past. Crowds turned out to watch the colourful parade, led by an officer on horseback, which included flying standards, drums and a volley of musketfire.

Col Duckenfield (1619-1689) was lord of the manor and lived at the now demolished Dukinfield Hall, where he set up one of the country's first independent congregations.

He took part in the defence of Manchester in 1642 and became one of the most trusted commanders of Sir William Brereton, parliament's senior officer in Cheshire, fighting at the battles of Middlewich and Nantwich.

In 1644, he led the forces which took Wythenshawe Hall and was present at the surrender of Chester in 1646.

By 1648, he was commander of Cromwell's forces in the North West and became High Sheriff of the county and in 1652, he led the forces which captured the Isle of Man.

Col Duckenfield, who was also an MP and member of Cromwell's Council of State, died aged 70 and is buried at St Lawrence's Church in Denton.

Councillor Jackie Lane, head of heritage and tourism, said: "As a Dukinfield councillor and native of the town, I feel honoured to be unveiling the statue.

"He was a man of great puritan faith who distinguished himself in battle for parliament's cause."

The statue is the latest in a series commissioned by Tameside Council.